Bonk Recovery Tips

[rocknrollgirl]

I get really chilled like that when my blood sigar drops. Right before dinner I am awalys freezing. When I train at dinner time, I always go through what you have described. I usually cook ahead so that food is ready immediatley.

Did you eat enough during the day? A front load?

[Starfish]

Last year when I was really upping the climbing on my long training rides on the weekends, I had a few rides when afterward I was just TRASHED. I live in a cold, damp climate. And, on these rides, I dressed as well as possible (in ways that would keep me warm on the bike), ate religiously with a balance of protein bars, sugar gels, electrolyte tabs, real food, etc. All stuff I know from experience works for me and keeps me going on rides.

But, I was just very much upping the difficulty of my endurance rides. I would get in a zone, and not bonk on the ride, and even feel like I could keep going when I got home.

BUT...once I stopped, and got off the bike, I sometimes got very cold, and just downed a huge glass of sugary chocolate milk, and got in a hot epsom bath asap. My leg muscles would just ACHE. And, sometimes it would take a half hour to warm up in a hot bath.

THEN...bathrobe, regular meal, etc, and I would start feeling like a human being again.

[Nokomis]

Thanks for the feedback! I definately need to plan differently to ensure I have recovery food (and a hot option) ready after rides like that. Our spring hasn't really warmed up yet.

I'll keep working on recovery - unfortunately I need to keep a low sodium diet, or risk of worse health issues.. so keeping the balance & replenishing correctly can be difficult.